2 Corinthians 8:7-12

There must be a willing mind 2 Corinthians 8:7-12: The Corinthian brethren seemed to have thought of themselves as abounding in faith, utterance, knowledge, diligence, and in love. Paul now encouraged them to abound in the grace of giving also. He said, "Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also." (2 Corinthians 8:7) The ability to give and the heart to give come from God and from His grace. Grace shines in our giving more than in others aspects of Christian living. You cannot love without giving. God loved and He gave. (John 3:16) Our giving tests the sincerity of our love. Do you loved like others loved? This is proven by your giving.

Jesus gave up heaven for outward earthly poverty in order to save us from sin. We can have a share in Jesus' heavenly wealth, because He came and took a share in our earthly poverty. A year before, the Corinthians were the first ones to make a commitment to give to help the needy at Jerusalem. Now it was time to actually follow through and do it. They must finish what they had started. When we give God looks for a readiness on our part and He wants us to give with a willing mind. The size of the gift is to be based on what you have but it must also be given with a willing mind.